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Sunday, August 9, 2009

Would You Read This Book?

If you read the following preface, would you continue reading? If yes, what encouraged you to turn the page? If not, what could I change to entice you to read on? This is the preface to my WIP, The Secret Life of a Preacher's Wife. I appreciate any feedback you'd like to share, since I'm sending a partial out next week to an agent. Thank you, dear friends.

Although I’m a pastor’s wife of over thirty-five years, I am as ordinary as anyone, doing my best to make sense of my hectic life, with God’s extraordinary help.

Only once did someone say I was a deep thinker, and that was my husband on our first date, long before he became my husband. I have a wee suspicion he was trying to impress me. It worked.

Even though I believed him at the time, I have since discovered how common my thinking and responses work. If a member of our congregation criticizes my husband, I get my dander up. If a person I care about is mad at me, I grieve. My feelings become hurt as deeply as yours when someone unjustly judges my motives. I argue with my husband, blame myself for others’ mistakes, and have an occasional pity party.

I have, however, made a few unusual discoveries. And experienced some unique situations. Through these, God has taught me a teacup-full of insights.

Some, you may already know. Others may encourage, surprise, or shock you. A few may tempt you to boil over with indignation. A handful might change your thinking, or even your life.

If you are searching for deep, theological answers to your problems, you have picked up the wrong book. But if you, like me, are a common person seeking uncommon help from the Lord, and if you are interested in peeking into in my teacup for some possible surprises or encouragement, then keep reading.

You may uncover a few notable answers after all. That is my prayer for you.

Well, I'll be honest. I never, ever read devotional/non-fiction type books. I don't know if this would draw me in since none of them ever draw me in, but also, I wouldn't read the preface first. I'd skip to the first chapter probably. :-)This seems like a good, solid preface to me though.I'm curious: Is this going to be a funny devotional (is there such a thing?) or a serious one? Because the title sounds humorous but the preface is serious. :-) (And remember, I know absolutely nothing about how these are marketed, written, etc, so if I sound weird, that's why. LOL)

I like your preface and the title. Your second sentence grabbed me more than the first one. You might also give more attention to the "secret life" which is what drew me in immediately but don't give away too much info.

I love the "teacup full of insights" and the "uncommon help from the Lord."

Love it! This is exactly what we need. I like that you admited, in a round about way, that you are not perfect.

We also need to hear these types of comments from preacher's wives. I think that we sometimes hold you all way up above and by doing so we forget that you and your husband are our fellow Christian Brother & Sister.

I have come to realize that most preacher's wives may seem so "untouchable" because of the box we place them in.

That preface would greatly entice me to read your book. It is exactly the kind I like and have difficulty finding. I love that you are humble and real and yet offer encouragement, which I can always use. I say, "Go for it."

Jeanette: I love this. Having known several preacher's wives in my life, I think we sometimes set them on a pedistal. Or we expect too much from them. I have found out preacher's wives have lives, too.